UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — State College youth in the Roots of Life performing arts ensemble joined with members of the Foxdale Village chorus for a unique intergenerational performance on Saturday, May 11. Titled “Imagine: Songs of Hope and Peace,” the performance featured individuals from under 10 to over 90.

Ann Clements, associate professor of music education and director of Foxdale’s chorus, and Kikora Franklin, associate professor of theatre and dance and co-director of Roots of Life, initiated the collaboration.

“The collaboration of students in Roots of Life with the Foxdale Village choir was a powerful way for us to conclude our season,” said Franklin. “It allowed everyone who experienced the performance to witness the impact that arts have in our community — across generations and cultures. A big thank you to Ann for inviting us to perform!”

Roots of Life, formed in 2008, is a joint initiative between the Penn State School of Theatre and the State College Area School District. Franklin’s co-director is Debra Daggs, a learning enrichment teacher at Mount Nittany Middle School. 

“This was a unique College of Arts and Architecture outreach project that shines a light on the community engagement in which many of our faculty participate,” said Clements.

Roots of Life is open to State College Area School District students in grades four through 12. Auditions are held each fall. For more on the ensemble, see this article by Chris Rosenblum.